Art Innovators To Enter 4 New Canadian Markets

KidzArt/Art Innovators, a leading international franchise company specializing in art education, has just announced the finalization of nine new franchise markets throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Starting with the opening of a franchise in Arkansas this past summer, KidzArt/Art Innovators has added additional franchise locations in Maryland, North Carolina, Missouri and Illinois, in addition to three new franchise sites in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada.

According to Sue Bartman, CEO of KidzArt/Art Innovators, these new franchise territories illustrate the demand for after school art enrichment programs to children of all ages.

"We welcome our new franchisees to KidzArt/Art Innovators and we look forward to offering our art instruction to children in these new regions," she said.

The company has also announced further plans for expansion, with several more franchisees to be added in Ontario later this year.

Since its founding in 1998, KidzArt/Art Innovators has been recognized as a leading art enrichment educational provider. Since KidzArt first began franchising its curriculum programs in July 2002, it has expanded to more than 75 franchisees in 12 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Malta, the Philippines, India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and China.

In the current economic climate, with school districts fighting for arts education funding, the demand for an academic-enhancing arts curriculum remains strong. Responding to this demand, KidzArt/Art Innovators is able to fill the void by providing drawing and art classes for people of all ages, ranging from preschoolers all the way to adults. By hosting after school art programs, art camps and workshops, themed birthday parties and fundraisers, KidzArt offers a variety of fine arts based curriculum programs focusing on drawing and other multimedia graphic arts.

KidzArt's mission statement is to help children of all ages discover and develop their individual artistic potential. This goal is reflected in a "no mistakes" philosophy, where students are encouraged to develop their creative imagination in an atmosphere of encouragement and positive attitudes.

These are the new franchisees in Canada:

Toronto, Ontario: Raluca Rautu

Carlisle, Ontario: Karen Andrews

Maple Ridge, British Columbia: Jacqui Convey

Kitchener, Ontario: Paul Field

In addition to expanding its franchise market, KidzArt/Art Innovators is also expanding its curriculum. Earlier this year, KidzArt introduced Hollywood FX, an art instruction programs for its teen-based division, TeenzArt. Hollywood FX will teach students how to use professional makeup and other costume and cosmetic appliances for use in theatrical, film and television industries.

According to Paul Field, a new KidzArt/Art Innovators franchise owner in Kitchener, Ontario, KidzArt offers an invaluable service to an often arts-deprived scholastic community.

"While there are a large variety of sports, dance, martial arts programs and camps to choose from, there are not many art enrichment programs offered in my area," he said. "I am very excited about the response I am getting from parents, social agencies and principals. Creating art builds children's self- esteem and empowers them."